Meikleour Beech Hedge

The surprising bonus of a fine day changed our decision for boring  homely activities to a jolly to catch the autumn colours before the next storm destroys the display. We chose to see the famous beech hedge at Meikleour, not far from Blairgowrie.


Planted in 1745, the hedge is recognised as the tallest in the world, at 30 metres and the longest in Britain at 530 metres. It is trimmed once every ten years, grown in tribute to those who died at Culloden.


There is no recognised viewing position although there is a small layby at the southern end and for this photo I was standing on a wide verge of the opposite side. There is a constant flow of vehicles but wasn't I lucky to have the old Riley drive into shot!


We took a stroll round Blairgowrie, had coffee in the friendly Cateran Cafe then walked along Riverside as far as Cargill's Leap, where the River Ericht cuts through a narrow gorge, then climbed too many steps to the path which brought us past the Hill Kirk. Here the oldest headstone dates from 1681 although the site has been in use from the C7, a church from the C13.


Returning to the car, we drove up to Glen Clova, where, in his youth, Mr Flum increased his income by grouse beating for the estate shoots, then continued to the head of Glen Doll. The road reflected recent severe weather with constant runoff and puddles, other hazards included pheasants and red-legged partridge running all over the place, attractive though they are, and a gigantic rat at the car park, encouraged by fallout from the picnic tables.


By now the sun was starting to set, the temperature at 4°C, colours dulled and it was time to head home.


Tomorrow, the forecast tells us, will be wet. I don't care, today was lovely.